Chelsea captain Reece James acknowledges there will be some “rust” for those members of Xabi Alonso’s squad that have only recently returned to training, ahead of the new Premier League season.
Chelsea make the short trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on matchday one of the campaign next Monday, as they look to improve on last season’s dire 10th-place finish.
They concluded their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge last Saturday, with James playing the first 62 minutes.
The right-back helped England finish third at this summer’s World Cup, making five appearances and starting three games, though he also missed knockout victories over DR Congo and Mexico entirely after sustaining a hamstring issue.
Chelsea’s other players who went deep at the World Cup, including James’ England team-mate Morgan Rogers, France duo Maxence Lacroix and Malo Gusto, and Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez, also appeared in the Blues’ final friendly.
James admits that, given the quick turnaround that followed the World Cup, none of those players are in peak condition yet.
“The break’s been pretty short so I felt pretty good out there,” James said. “The conditions were tough, it was super hot, but I’m feeling good.
“It’s still early, there was a bit of rust still to come off, but it was a good step.
“It was a short break, probably shorter than everyone would have liked, but I’m delighted to be back and the new season’s going to be getting under way pretty soon.
“From what I’ve seen, everyone’s settled in well and I’m delighted with the group. It’s only been four or five days, it’s been super short, but I’m enjoying it very much so far and that’s the same for all the boys.”
Ready and raring to go for 26/27.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 16, 2026
Alonso is the sixth permanent manager to take charge of Chelsea since BlueCo gained control of the club in 2022, and the ninth different man to take the reins in that time if interims are included (two spells for Calum McFarlane).
During his playing career, Alonso played 143 Premier League games for Liverpool, also winning the Champions League and the FA Cup with the Reds, and James feels those achievements only add to the Spaniard’s authority.
“It means a lot coming from a manager and an ex-player of his calibre,” James said. “Hopefully I can give my all for him and deliver when I’m needed most.”
